Activation Of GDF9 Regulates Human Folliculogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,690.00
Summary
GDF9 is a key regulator of fertility in female mammals, as it controls the process of folliculogenesis. In this grant, we will demonstrate the importance of GDF9 in human folliculogenesis, determine the mechanisms that activate GDF9 and show why aberrant GDF9 activation leads to ovarian disorders. Collectively, the outcomes of this proposal will increase our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that regulate ovarian folliculogenesis and provide new avenues to manipulate this process.
SOFT And TEXT Premenopausal Randomised Adjuvant Endocrine Breast Cancer Trials.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$722,380.00
Summary
SOFT and TEXT trials enrolled premenopausal women with hormone-sensitive early breast cancer to assess if post-operative hormone treatment that included ovarian function suppression plus tamoxifen, or an aromatase inhibitor exemestane, could improve outcomes. Initial results indicate fewer breast cancer recurrences with the treatment combination of ovarian suppression plus exemestane as compared with tamoxifen, and follow-up of women in these trials can show if overall survival can be improved.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 5-10% of women worldwide, yet its origins remain unknown. Androgens are implicated in the development of PCOS, but the decisive, invasive studies needed to confirm and elucidate their roles are not feasible in women. Hence, using our innovative mouse models of androgen resistant female mice, this study will determine the role of androgens in PCOS aiming to better understand, and identify new treatments for this common female reproductive disorder.
STICs And STONes: A Randomised, Phase II, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Of Aspirin In Chemoprevention Of Ovarian Cancer In Women With BRCA1 And BRCA2 Mutations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$653,892.00
Summary
Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene abnormality are at increased risk of ovary and fallopian tube (O&FT) cancers and often have their O&FTs removed to prevent cancer. Microscopic cancers are often seen at the time of surgery. Some studies suggest that aspirin might reduce O&FT cancer risk. This study will assign women to daily aspirin or placebo for 6-24 months before their preventive O&FT surgery. It will provide a better understanding of how O&FT cancers start and the influence aspirin may have.
Molecular Subtype Specific Therapy In High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$832,254.00
Summary
High grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) is the most common type of ovarian cancer, accounting for about two thirds of all deaths from the disease.Several years ago we identified distinct subtypes of HGSC (C1, C2, C4, C5) based on patterns of gene activity. We found that women with the C5 subtype generally had poor survival, and we mapped genes that were specifically active in C5 tumours. In this application we aim to develop therapies that are specifically targeted to the C5 HGSC.
IMPROVE - Investigating Medication Re-Purposing To Reduce Risk Of OVarian Cancer And Extend Survival
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$430,196.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer is the 6th most common cause of cancer death in women and the proportion of women who die from their disease has not improved substantially over time. This large-scale study will use de-identified data from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the Australian Cancer Database and the National Death Index to investigate whether medications commonly used for other conditions can help decrease the risk of ovarian cancer developing or improve survival from ovarian cancer after diagnosis.
Molecular Determinants Of Advanced Disease In Ovarian Granulosa Cell Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,244.00
Summary
Granulosa cell tumours of the ovary (GCT) represent 5-10% of malignant ovarian cancers. They are distinct from the more common epithelial tumours and although considered to have a much better prognosis, they have a propensity to late recurrence. Recurrent or aggressive GCT have a poor prognosis. These studies will investigate the molecular basis of recurrence and aggressive behaviour in GCT. This will provide both prognostic information and also potential therapeutic targets.
The Ovarian Cancer Prognosis And Lifestyle (OPAL) Study: Long-term Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$871,657.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer affects 1500 women each year in Australia and 5-year survival is <45%. Affected women thus face a poor prognosis and often ask what they can do to improve this. There is no direct evidence whether a woman’s lifestyle might influence her outcomes, although data from breast cancer suggest this is possible. The OPAL Study is following 960 women with ovarian cancer to identify whether lifestyle is associated with long-term survival to provide evidence for women with this disease.
A Novel Protease And Growth Factor Regulated Signalling System In Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$856,743.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynaecologic cancer death. Our project focuses on the role in ovarian cancer of a cellular receptor called CDCP1. We have previously shown that CDCP1 promotes growth and spread of ovarian tumours. Recently we have generated new data indicating that CDCP1’s activity is markedly increased by other proteins called proteases and growth factors. In this project we will define how these new pathways function, and if their blockade impedes ovarian cancer.
A New Anti-Diabetes Drug As A Novel Therapy For Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$711,966.00
Summary
New treatments are urgently needed to improve the chances of survival for patients diagnosed with high grade epithelial ovarian tumours. This project will investigate the application of a new class of anti-diabetes medications as an adjunct therapy for cancer patients.